10 (d.a.) Photosynthesis Reaction

The Photosynthesis EquationNotice that the raw materials—six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water—are on the left side of the equation. The products—one molecule of a sugar and six molecules of oxygen—are on the right side of the equation. An arrow, which you can read as “yields,” connects the raw materials to the products. Light energy, which is necessary for the chemical reaction to occur, is written above the arrow. Some sugar molecules are converted into other compounds, such as cellulose. Other sugar molecules may be stored in the plant’s cells for later use. When you eat food from plants, such as potatoes or carrots, you are eating the plant’s stored energy.